I had to write this review. Not
because I had set expectations and some people were awaiting my review after the
FB status. It is purely because I absolutely loved the movie. After having
watched it, a couple of people asked me how did I like it and I just said one
thing – wait for the review. It wasn’t to create an unnecessary suspense but
because there is so much to say, to share. So here it goes.
Lootera is a cinematic
excellence. A lot of people would complain that it is slow and thus unbearable.
Yes it is – slow, pensive. It is not an entertainer meant for the masses. It is
a period film, an art, poetry in motion and the story unfolds at its own pace.
The film is set in two periods in
the post Independence era – Manikpur, West Bengal in 1953 and Dalhousie in
1954. The first half of the movie is fresh with some magical moments. In fact I
was captivated at the very beginning itself. The instrumental of my favoutite
track ‘Ankahee’ played at the outset. I first thought it would be the first
song and the movie would go into a flashback, narrating the tale of two lovers.
How delighted I was at the thought of hearing the song one more time, that too
so early! Despite having listened to it on loop innumerable times I was yet to
get tired of it. I remember waiting with bated breath. However that was not to
be. And not just that, the song just does not feature in the movie but is a
part of closing credit. So much for the excitement! Anyway this was the only
let-down if I may say.
Coming back to the plot and the
review, with the critical success of his debut film Udaan, Vikramaditya Motwane
had set high expectations. And truly he does not disappoint. Of course there
are some flaws with the major one being the lackluster (partial) adaptation of
O Henry’s masterpiece – The Last Leaf. This short story is so powerful and
Motwane sure could have done a better job than making it look like a hurried
adaptation. However, the beauty and magic of this period drama completely
outweigh and overshadow the flaws. The world of the protagonists – love,
passion, agony, disappointment, anger –keeps you hooked.
The movie is picturesque.
Manikpur and Dalhousie are totally different landscapes and both have been
captured beautifully by Mahendra J Shetty. The music by Amit Trivedi and lyrics
by Amitabh Bhattacharya are exceptional. All the songs are beautifully crafted.
Monali Thakur does absolute justice to the beautiful number ‘Sawaar Lun’. Baramade puraane hain, nayi si dhoop hai
– How poetical! Another number that I liked is ‘Monta Re’. I have always loved
Shilpa Rao’s husky voice and she is good yet again in ‘Manmarziyan’. Even ‘Shikayatein’
and ‘Zinda Hoon’ are good. I love the entire album!
Sonakshi Sinha as Pakhi has
delivered a stellar performance. From the privileged, pampered zamindar’s
daughter to the immature lover, from the playful, vibrant, mischievous young
girl in Manikpur to an ailing, lonely figure and a frustrated writer in
Dalhousie – she is very convincing and has essayed the role with a right mix of
innocence and sensitivity. I was among the majority of people who felt that
although Sonakshi has 100 crore club to her merit, it is mere luck than talent
that had got her there. My opinion has definitely changed after Lootera. The
credit also goes to the writer for such a well defined role. Kudos!
Two girls sitting beside me
labeled Pakhi’s attempts of getting close to Varun as desperate. They couldn’t
stop laughing and mocking saying that she was throwing her charms at him in an
attempt to seduce him while he wasn’t interested. Well, to some it might seem a
desperate attempt of getting physical. But I think there is much more to it.
Being a literature student I have learnt to analyse a work of art beyond the
obvious. One needs to understand the set-up in which Pakhi has grow-up and
lives. Her father is the only man in her life and she has been deprived of any
other love. So when she comes across this good-looking charmer, she is bound to
be swept off her feet and develop some feelings for this man.
Ranveer Singh as Varun essays his
role with conviction and displays the various shades of his character
effectively. He is introduced as a polite young boy who timidly seeks
permission from the Zamindar for an archaeological dig. Then there is the
innocent and mellowed flirting during the painting lessons and beyond. Despite
a warning from his partner Devdas, he eventually falls for Pakhi and is torn
between love and duty. In the second half he looks confident when he sways to
Dalhousie to commit yet another heist. And then the estranged lover wanting to
stay back and make amends to his lady love.
The chemistry between the leading
pair is not the best that we come across but their individual performances are
rocking. Also a great thumbs up for the supporting characters – Barun Chandra
as the zamindar and doting father, Vikrant Massey as Devdas, Varun’s accomplice,
Adil Hussain as the tough police inspector and Divya Dutta as the compassionate
caretaker are all splendid in their roles and leave a mark.
To sum up, Lootera is an art, one
which requires patient viewing. It will charm and sway you with its set-up,
scenic locales, music, performances – only if you do not have any pre-conceived
notions or expectations. Watch it and it will steal your heart!
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